Backplot Options dialog box
Use the Backplot Options dialog box to set various backplot options such as tool display, holder display, and tool motion colors when using Classic Backplot. The default values for these options can be set on the Backplot page of the System Configuration dialog box.
Parameters
Not all options are available depending on your current Mastercam setup.
Fast steps/sec
Sets the speed for turbo mode. Turbo mode occurs when you click on the Step forward or Step back buttons on the playback bar and hold the left mouse button down.
Endpoints
Moves the tool from endpoint to endpoint along the toolpath while backplotting.
Interpolate
Moves the tool the specified distance between points along the toolpath while backplotting. You must enter a Step increment value if you choose this option.
Step increment
Sets the distance that the tool moves between points. Enable by choosing Interpolate.
Operation change
Erases the backplot display from the graphics window after each operation.
Tool change
Erases the backplot display from the graphics window after each tool change. Automatically selected if Operation change is selected.
Fit toolpath
Displays the entire toolpath in the graphics window when you begin a backplot. Does not apply when restarting a backplot.
Show lathe home position
Includes a move from the home position at the start of any Lathe operation and to the home position at the end of the operation.
Show c-axis tools in top orientation
Displays tools in C-axis toolpaths in the Top view. Supports machine tools that may use gang tooling to position tools for C-axis toolpaths.
Show mill/router home position
Includes a move from the home position at the start of any Mill or Router operations and to the home position at the end of the operation.
Simulate cutter compensation
Draws a simulation of cutter compensation in the control using a magenta path whenever a mill tool is used. This simulation occurs when G41/42 codes are found in the selected NCI file.
Simulate axis substitution
Wraps geometry on a cylinder for rotary axis (Lathe C-axis or Mill) toolpaths.
Simulate rotary axis
Simulates the C-axis motion for rotary axis (Lathe C-axis or Mill) toolpaths.
Plain
Displays a wireframe representation of the tool during backplot.
Fluted
Displays a fluted tool during backplot.
Shaded
Displays a solid representation of the tool during backplot. Also enables the Material option.
Color (Tool)
Sets the color of the tool. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
Material (Tool)
Sets the material color of the tool. Available only for shaded tools. Select a material from the drop-down list.
Auto
Selects the tool shape from a range of system defaults. The system shapes are shown in the Tool Wizard.
As defined
Displays a tool profile of mill tools during backplot based on the profile you select in the Tool Wizard.
Spin tool
Simulates a spinning tool when backplotting with a milling tool. Not available with shaded tools.
Color (Holder)
Sets the color of the tool holder. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
Material (Holder)
Sets the material color of the tool holder. Available only for shaded tools. Select a material from the drop-down list.
Active tool
Determines the opacity of the tool and tool holder as Mastercam performs the backplot. The lower the opacity, the more the geometry and toolpaths show through the tool and holder. When opacity is set to its highest value of 1.0, the tool and the holder are fully opaque, appearing solid. When opacity is set to its lowest value of 0.01, the tool and holder are translucent, appearing nearly transparent.
Inactive tool
Determines the opacity of the tool and tool holder while in the backplot function but while the tool and holder are at rest (not in motion), such as in lathe operations. The lower the opacity, the more the geometry and toolpaths show through the tool and holder. When opacity is set to its highest value of 1.0, the tool and the holder are fully opaque, appearing solid. When opacity is set to its lowest value of 0.01, the tool and holder are translucent, appearing nearly transparent.
Color loop
Changes the color of the cutting motion by operation or by tool change.
Tool render style
Changes the display of the tool to either shaded or wireframe.
Rapid
Sets the color of rapid moves during the backplot. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
Linear feed
Sets the color of linear feed moves during the backplot. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
Use verify color
Sets the color used to show the removed stock during backplot. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
CW arc feed
Sets the color of clockwise arc feed moves during the backplot. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
CCW arc feed
Sets the color of counterclockwise arc feed moves during the backplot. Enter a number for the color or choose Color to select a color.
Display vectors
Shows the tool vectors for 4- or 5-axis toolpaths during backplotting. Used to show the exact position of the tool during Multiaxis toolpaths.
Connect bottom
Enabled by selecting Display vectors. Visually connects the bottom of the tool vectors.
Connect top
Enabled by selecting Display vectors. Visually connects the top of the tool vectors.
Shade
Enabled by selecting Display vectors. Shades the space between the tool vectors with the tool color.
Length
Enabled by selecting Display vectors. Sets the display length of the 4- or 5-axis tool vectors during backplotting. Because multiaxis toolpaths create a tool vector for every position in the toolpath, shortening the tool vector length can simplify backplot display. The length applies to backplotting only and does not change the tool vector length set in the multiaxis toolpath parameters. Select the Length checkbox and enter the length in inches or millimeters.
